As Uganda marks the International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Language, the Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) has urged government to enact a National Sign Language (UgSL) Law.
The law would recognize Ugandan Sign Language as an official language, help standardize and protect it, and ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing persons gain equal access to education, healthcare, and social opportunities.
UNAD emphasized that nearly 2 million Ugandans (4.7% of the population) live with hearing difficulties, yet continue to face barriers due to the lack of a legal framework supporting sign language.
“No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights,” said Robert Nkwangu, Executive Director of UNAD, calling for urgent government action.
